Domestic Partner Affidavit Template for the United Arab Emirates

A Domestic Partner Affidavit is your formal legal declaration establishing domestic partnership status under UAE law. Following the landmark Federal Decree Law No. 15 of 2020, which decriminalized consensual relationships outside marriage, this document has become essential for expatriates and non-Muslim residents who need official recognition of their partnership status for various legal, financial, and employment purposes.

When do you need this document?

You'll need a Domestic Partner Affidavit when applying for employment benefits that extend to partners, securing shared housing arrangements, or establishing financial interdependence for banking or insurance purposes. Employers increasingly require this documentation to process partner benefits, while landlords may request it for joint tenancy agreements. The document is also valuable when dealing with healthcare decisions, inheritance matters, or any situation where you must prove your committed relationship status to UAE authorities or private institutions.

Key legal considerations

Your affidavit must include complete identification details for both partners, including passport numbers, UAE visa status, and current residential addresses. The document should clearly state the duration of your relationship, evidence of shared residence, and mutual financial obligations or support arrangements. Both partners must affirm their eligibility under UAE law, confirming they are not currently married to others and are legally capable of entering into this declaration. The affidavit requires notarization and may need additional authentication depending on its intended use, particularly for government or banking purposes.

Legal requirements in United Arab Emirates

Under UAE Federal Decree Law No. 15 of 2020 and subsequent regulations, your Domestic Partner Affidavit must comply with specific formatting and content requirements. In Abu Dhabi, Law No. 14 of 2021 concerning Personal Status for Non-Muslims provides additional framework for relationship documentation. The document must be executed before a UAE notary public or authorized official, and depending on your emirate, may require registration with local authorities. If you're using the affidavit for employment purposes, ensure compliance with UAE Labor Law (Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021) requirements for partner benefit eligibility. For visa or residence-related matters, the affidavit must align with UAE Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021 governing entry and residence of foreigners.